2018 LEXUS LS500H Owners Manual

1774-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving ■
Shifting the shift position from P to
other positions
 While depressing the brake pedal
firmly, operate the shift lever. If the
shift lever is operated without
depressing the brake pedal, the
buzzer will sound and the shifting
operation will be disabled.
 When selecting the shift position,
make sure that the shift position has
been changed to the desired posi-
tion by checking the shift position
indicator provided on the instru-
ment cluster.
 The shift position cannot be
changed from P to M directly. ■
Automatic P position selection function
In the following situations, the shift position
is automatically changed to P. ●
When pressing the power switch with the
vehicle stopped while the power switch is
in ON mode and the shift position is in a
position other than P (after the shift posi-
tion has changed to P, the power switch
will turn off) *
●
When the vehicle is stopped after the
hybrid system has been stopped in an
emergency while driving●
When voltage of the 12-volt battery
drops while the shift po sition is in a posi-
tion other than P *
: When the power switch is pressed while
driving at extremely slow speeds, such
as immediately before stopping the vehi-
cle, the shift position may automatically
change to P. Make sure that the vehicle
is completely stoppe d before pressing
the power switch.
■
If the shift position cannot be shifted
from P
There is a possibility that the 12-volt battery is discharged. Check the 12-volt battery in
this situation. ( → P.447)
■
Driving mode
→ P.298 ■
Snow mode
Snow mode can be se lected to suit the
conditions when driving on slippery
road surfaces, such as on snow.
Turn the snow mode switch backward. The snow mode indicator illuminates.
Turn the snow mode switch backward
again to return to normal mode. WARNING■
P position switch ●
Do not press the P position switch
while the vehicle is moving.
If the P position switch is pressed when
driving at very low speeds (for exam-
ple, directly before stopping the vehi-
cle), the vehicle may stop suddenly
when the shift position switches to P,
which could lead to an accident. ●
In order to prevent the shift position
from accidentally being changed, do
not touch the P position switch or shift
lever when not using them.
NOTICE■
Notes regarding shift lever and P
position switch operation
Avoid repeatedly operating the shift
lever and P position switch in quick suc-
cession.
The system protection function may acti-
vate and it will not be temporarily possi-
ble to shift the shift position other than P.
If this happens, please wait for a while
before attempting to change the shift
position again.
Selecting the driving mode

178 4-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) Except F SPORT models
F SPORT models ■
Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if
the power switch is tu rned off after driving
in snow mode.
To drive using temporary shift range
selection, operate the “-” or “+” paddle
shift switch.
When the “-” paddle shift switch is
operated, the shift range switches to a
range that enables engine braking
force that is suitable to driving condi-
tions. When the “+” paddle shift switch
is operated, the shift range switches to
a range that is one range higher than
the current range.
Changing the shift range allows
restriction of the highest gear, prevent-
ing unnecessary upshifting and
enabling the level of engine braking
force to be selected. Except F SPORT models
F SPORT models
1 Upshifting
2 Downshifting The selected shift rang e, from D1 to D10,
will be displayed on the meter.
To return to normal D position driving, the
“+” paddle shift switch must be held down
for a period of time.
A lower shift range will provide greater
engine braking forces than a higher shift
range.
■
Automatic deactivation of shift range
selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will
be deactivated in the following situations:
●
When the vehicle comes to a stop
●
If the accelerator pe dal is depressed for
more than a certai n period of time
●
When the shift position is shifted to a
position other than D.Selecting shift ranges in the D
position A
B
Meter dis-
play Function
D2 - D10 A gear in the range between
D1 and the selected shift
range is automatically cho-
sen depending on vehicle
speed and driving condi-
tions
D1 Setting the shift range at D1 A
B

1794-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving ●
When the “+” paddle shift switch is
pressed and held■
Downshifting restriction warning
buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving perfor-
mance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances,
downshifting may not be possible even
when the paddle shift switch is operated. (A
buzzer will sound twice.)
To enter M mode, shift the shift position
to M. Gears can be selected by oper-
ating the paddle shift switches, allowing
you to drive in the gear of your choos-
ing.
Except F SPORT models
F SPORT models
1 Upshifting
2 DownshiftingThe gear changes once every time the
paddle shift switch is operated.
The selected gear, from M1 to M10, will be
fixed and displayed on the meter.
When in the M position, the gear will
not change unless the paddle shift
switches are operated.
However, even when in the M position,
the gears will be automatically
changed in the following situations:  When vehicle speed drops (down-
shift only).
 When vehicle speed increases
(upshift only).
 When the accelerator pedal is firmly
depressed.
 When it is necessary to protect the
transmission when the transmission
fluid temperature is high or low, or
other reasons.
Also, the gear will not shift when the
vehicle speed is low, even if an upshift
operation is performed. ■
Downshifting restrictions warning
buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving perfor-
mance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances,
downshifting may not be possible even
when the paddle shift sw itch is operated. (A
buzzer will sound twice.)Selecting gears in the M position
A
B

180 4-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 1 Right turn
2 Lane change to the right (move the
lever partway and release it)The right hand signals will flash 3 times.
3 Lane change to the left (move the
lever partway and release it)The left hand signals will flash 3 times.
4 Left turn ■
Turn signals can be operated when
The power switch is in ON mode.
■
If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear
turn signal lights has not burned out.
■
If the turn signals stop flashing before a
lane change has been performed
Operate the lever again.
■
Customization
Some functions can be customized. ( → P.481)
Turn signal lever
Operating instructions

1814-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving ■
Using the manual mode
The parking brake can be set and
released manually.
U.S.A.
Canada
1 Push the switch to set the parking
brakeThe parking brake indicator light will turn
on.
Press and hold the parking brake switch if
an emergency occurs and it is necessary to
operate the parking brake while driving. 2 Pull the switch to release the park-
ing brake • Operate the parking brake switch while
depressing the brake pedal.
• Using the parking brake automatic
release function, the parking brake can
be released by depressing the accelera-
tor pedal. When using this function,
slowly depress the accelerator pedal.
Make sure that the pa rking brake indicator
light turn off.
If the parking brake indicator light
flashes, operate the switch again.
( → P.434) ■
Turns automatic mode on
While the vehicle is stopped, press and
hold the parking brake switch until a
message is shown on the multi-infor-
mation display
When the automatic mode is turned
on, the parking brake operates as fol-
lows.
 When the shift position is shifted
from P, the parking brake will be
released, and the parking brake
indicator light will turn off.
 When the shift position is shifted to
P, the parking brake will be set, and
the parking brake indicator light will
turn on.Parking brake The parking brake can be set or
released automatically or manually.
In automatic mode, the parking
brake can be set or released auto-
matically according to the shift
lever operation. Also, even in auto-
matic mode, the parking brake can
be set or released manually.
Operating instructions
A
B

182 4-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) Operate the shift lever and P position
switch with the vehicle stopped and the
brake pedal depressed. ■
Turns automatic mode off
While the vehicle is stopped, pull and
hold the parking brake switch until a
message is shown on the multi-infor-
mation display
■
Parking brake operation●
When the power switch is not in ON
mode, the parking brake cannot be
released using the parking brake switch.●
When the power switch is not in ON
mode, automatic mode (automatic brake
setting and releasing) is not available. ■
Parking brake automatic release func-
tion●
When the shift position is shifted from P,
the parking brake will be released in
automatic mode.●
When all of the foll owing conditions are
met in manual mode, the parking brake
can be released by depressing the accel-
erator pedal.
• The driver’s door is closed
• The driver is wearing the seat belt
• The shift position is in D, M or R
■
If “EPB Frequently Operated Wait a
Minute” is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display
If the parking brake is operated repeatedly
over a short period of time, the system may
restrict operation to prevent overheating. If
this happens, refrain from operating the
parking brake. Normal operation will return after about 1 minute. ■
If “EPB Activation Stopped Incom-
pletely” or “EPB unavailable” is dis-
played on the multi-information display
Operate the parking brake switch. If the
message does not disappear after operat-
ing the switch several times, the system may
be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer. ■
Parking brake operation sound
When the parking brake operates, a motor
sound (whirring sound) may be heard. This
does not indicate a malfunction. ■
Parking brake operation ●
Depending on the power switch mode,
the parking brake indicator light will turn
on and stay on as described below:
ON mode: Comes on until the parking
brake is released.
Not in ON mode: Stays on for approxi-
mately 15 seconds. ●
When the power switch is turned off with
the parking brake set, the parking brake
indicator light will stay on for about 15
seconds. This does not indicate a mal-
function. ■
When the parking brake switch mal-
functions
Automatic mode (automatic brake setting
and releasing) will be turned on automati-
cally. ■
Parking the vehicle
→ P.158 ■
Parking brake engaged warning buzzer
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven
with the parking brake engaged. “EPB
Applied” is displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display. (with the vehicle reached a
speed of 3 mph [5 km/h])
■
If the brake system warning light comes
on
→ P.427
■
Usage in winter time
→ P.309

1834-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving
Press the brake hold switch to turn the
system on The brake hold standby indicator (green)
comes on. While the system is holding
the brakes, the brake hold operated indica-
tor (yellow) comes on.
■
Brake hold system operating conditions
The brake hold system cannot be turned on
in the following conditions:
●
The driver’s door is not closed.
●
The driver is not wearing the seat belt.
If any of the conditions above are detected
when the brake hold system is enabled, the
system will turn off and the brake hold
standby indicator light will go off. In addi-
tion, if any of the co nditions are detected
while the system is holding the brake, a
warning buzzer will sound and a message WARNING■
When parking the vehicle
Do not leave a child in the vehicle alone.
The parking brake may be released unin-
tentionally and there is the danger of the
vehicle moving that may lead to an acci-
dent resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE■
When parking the vehicle
Before you leave the vehicle, set the
parking brake, shift the shift position to P
and make sure that the vehicle does not
move. ■
When the system malfunctions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
check the warning messages. ■
When the parking brake cannot be
released due to a malfunction
Driving the vehicle with the parking
brake set will lead to brake components
overheating, which may affect braking
performance and increase brake wear.
Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer immediately if this occurs. Brake Hold The brake hold system keeps the
brake applied when the shift posi-
tion is in D, M or N with the system
on and the brake pedal has been
depressed to stop the vehicle. The
system releases the brake when the
accelerator pedal is depressed with
the shift position in D or M to allow
smooth start off.
Enabling the system A
B

184 4-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) will be shown on the multi-information dis-
play. The parking brake will then be set
automatically. ■
Brake hold function●
If the brake pedal is left released for a
period of about 3 minutes after the sys-
tem has started holding the brake, the
parking brake will be set automatically. In
this case, a warning buzzer sounds and a
message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.●
To turn the system off while the system is
holding the brake, firmly depress the
brake pedal and press the button again.●
The brake hold function may not hold the
vehicle when the vehicle is on a steep
incline. In this situation, it may be neces-
sary for the driver to apply the brakes. A
warning buzzer will sound and the
multi-information display will inform the
driver of this situation. If a warning mes-
sage is shown on the multi-information
display, read the message and follow the
instructions.■
When the parking brake is set automati-
cally while the system is holding the
brakes
Perform any of the follo wing operations to
release the parking brake. ●
Depress the accelerator pedal. (The
parking brake will not be released auto-
matically if the seat belt is not fastened.)●
Operate the parking brake switch with
the brake pedal depressed.
Make sure that the pa rking brake indicator
light goes off. ( → P.181)
■
When an inspection at your Lexus
dealer is necessary
When the brake hold standby indicator
(green) does not illuminate even when the
brake hold switch is pressed with the brake
hold system operating conditions met, the
system may be malfun ctioning. Have the
vehicle inspected at your Lexus dealer. ■
If “Brake Hold Fault Depress Brake to
Deactivate Visit Your Dealer” or “Brake
Hold Malfunction Visit Your Dealer” is
displayed on the multiinformation dis-
play
The system may be ma lfunctioning. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer. ■
Warning messages and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are used to
indicate a system malfunction or to inform
the driver of the need for caution. If a warn-
ing message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display, read the message and follow
the instructions. ■
If the brake hold operated indicator
flashes
→ P.434
WARNING■
When the vehicle is on a steep incline
When using the brake hold system on a
steep incline exercise caution. The brake
hold function may not hold the vehicle in
such a situation. ■
When stopped on a slippery road
The system cannot stop the vehicle when
the gripping ability of the tires has been
exceeded. Do not use the system when
stopped on a slippery road.
NOTICE
■
When parking the vehicle
The brake hold system is not designed
for use when parking the vehicle for a
long period of time. Turning the power
switch off while the system is holding the
brake may release the brake, which
would cause the vehicle to move. When
operating the power switch, depress the
brake pedal, shift the shift position to P
and set the parking brake.